After witnessing substandard working conditions at a building site for which he’d been commissioned to create artwork, Beijing-based artist Xu Bing created two huge phoenix sculptures composed of construction equipment. Suspended at the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine, their decorative lights are akin to stained glass and their message in keeping with the church’s activist history. (Through Feb 2015).
Xu Bing, Phoenix, installation view at St John the Divine, Dec 2014.
Beijing-based artist Liu Bolin pictures himself in this larger-than-life sculpture going through airport security. Contrary to the freedom of flying, the artist describes this gesture as abandoning independence and offering a prayer for safety. Covered in designs based on snack food packaging, Liu Bolin simultaneously suggests identity further compromised. (At Chelsea’s Klein Sun Gallery through Nov 1st).
Liu Bolin, Security Check No 1, acrylic on copper, 80 ¾ x 37 3/8 x 21 5/8 inches, 2014.
Ghostly white fiberglass figures representing migrant workers in Tiananmen Square make roosts for flapping doves in Beijing artist Zhang Dali’s exhibition at Chelsea’s KleinSun Gallery. Despite the dove as symbol of hope, the figures are washed of color and identity, bespeaking drab anonymity. (Through August 30th).
Zhang Dali, installation view of ‘Square’ at Klein Sun Gallery, June, 2014. Fiberglass and baking varnish.
Beijing-based artist Li Hongbo has applied the concept behind Chinese paper gourd decorations – made of paper glued together – to classical sculpture to shocking effect in his latest sculpture series at Chelsea newcomer Klein Sun Gallery. What at first appear to be marble sculptures reveal themselves to be flexible stacks of paper when activated by a gallery staff member. (Through March 2nd).
Li Hongbo, Bust of Marseilles, paper, 23 5/8 x 14 1/8 x 13 ¾ inches, ed of 2, 2012.
